Business loan In Singapore: What Is A Bridging Loan And How Can It Help My Business?

What Is A Bridging Loan?

A bridging loan is designed to help companies and individuals tide over a short period of financial challenge. For companies, this is a type of business loan that can be used to increase working capital while waiting for longer-term financing to come in. 

To individuals, a bridging loan usually applies in the purchase of a new property.  The loan can be used to settle downpayment of the new property, while waiting for proceeds from the sale of the current house.

It is a temporary solution to help companies meet liquidity requirements before funds from a longer-term financing becomes available. Funds from a bridging loan can be used for immediate needs such as the securing of a property, paying vendors and suppliers, or settling operational costs. 

The bottom line is that a bridging loan is an interim solution for companies to bridge that gap between fulfilling current obligations and acquiring the needed funds which is not yet available. It is a form of short-term financing that you might want to consider if you are in urgent need of funds.

Why will business take up Bridging Loan?

1. Solve Immediate Cash Flow Crises In Your Company

Expenses stemming from unforeseen circumstances could happen when you least expected it. For instance, your equipment or machinery might stop working suddenly.

While your business operation must go on, you might not have accounted for a replacement of machinery into your business expenses. A business bridging loan could get you through such an unexpected situation.

Additionally, new businesses in particular have teething problems at the beginning. While waiting for longer-term financing, your business might encounter difficulties with essential expenses like rental, utility bills, or making payments to vendors. Funds from a bridging loan could help maintain fluidity in your business’ cash flow.

2. Moving Offices Or Storage Relocation

As your business grows, you might need to move it to another location. Moving your business can be challenging especially when you don’t have sufficient funds for a downpayment on a new premise. 

Getting a bridging loan enables you to continue running your business without worrying about the company’s finances even when you are in the midst of relocating.

3. Running Low On Finances

No matter how well you might have budgeted for your business expenses, your company might run low on finances at some point in time.

With the relatively fast approval for a bridging loan, you could ensure that your business gets the funds it needs fast and avoid any financial setback.

4. Purchase Property Such As Warehouse

As your business expands, you might also find yourself needing more storage space. 

Purchasing a storage warehouse or new office space could be in the pipeline, but might not be feasible due to lack of funds. 

In such circumstances, it’s wise to approach a private financial institution that can offer a suitable bridging loan that enables you to meet your business expansion needs.

5. Eases Cost Of Restoration Works

Refurbishment of your business’ premises may not always be in the cards. But you have clients and customers to impress, and a shoddy space is not going to cut it.

Securing a business bridging loan could help with renovation or restoration works, which could be a breath of fresh air to an otherwise run-down, unappealing space.

As the saying goes, “first impression lasts”. A newly refurbished, inviting business environment could see your business streaming with more clients and customers. 

6. Pre-pay Event Spaces

To generate more revenue, you need to get your products or services out into a wider market.  Promotional campaigns to market your products or services become a necessity. That’s why when opportunities such as roadshow events arise, you should seize it.

You’ll need to rent the space to market your product or services, and extra funds may not always be available within the company for this purpose.

A bridging loan can be used to secure a strategic venue to market your products or services. With the extra funds, you may also be able to get part-time hires to help in these events.

Does A Bridging Loan Fit Your Business?

Bridging loan is a viable option for businesses which are in immediate need of funds. As with any loan, it has its advantages and drawbacks. To help you decide if a bridging loan suits your business’ needs, let’s weigh out the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Easy, fast approval, usually without checks on credit history	Some form of collateral is required
Funding available within days	Only short-term funding of up to 12 months is provided
Flexible and can be tailored to your needs	Not suitable for long-term business needs
Full repayment can be made at the end of the loan tenure	Interest is usually imposed on a month to month basis and could add up if your project stretches longer than the intended duration

Unlike bank loans, preparing extensive accounting documents is not necessary when borrowing from private financiers. A bridging loan’s interest rates may be higher than that for other types of business loans due to its short tenure of up to 10 months. So do take some time to find a suitable lender who is willing to listen and understand your business operations so that the loan can be customised towards your company’s needs.

If you’re looking for an immediate relief to pull your business through financial obligations, a bridging loan is a good option to consider. Apply for a bridging loan with WGL Venture today.